I’ve been fortunate to visit Lapland twice in winter, first in Sweden (2017) and then in Finland (2025). Located above the Arctic Circle, this region is a dream destination for landscape photographers. Its breathtaking winter scenery is defined by snow-covered trees, particularly the iconic Tykky firs, which bend under the weight of ice and snow. These frozen giants create some of the most magical photo opportunities in Lapland.
One of my favorite locations in Lapland, Finland, is Riisitunturi National Park, near Ruka, Kuusamo. I set out on a pre-dawn hike to capture the first light painting the Tykky trees in soft pink tones. Despite lighter snowfall this year, a few of these majestic snow-laden trees remained, standing like frozen sculptures against the Arctic sky. It was an incredible experience, reminding me why this park is a must-visit for winter photographers.
What I love most about photographing Lapland is the ever-changing colors of the Arctic sky. Every day brings a new mood. During the polar nights, soft hues of pink and purple blend into fiery orange at sunrise, before fading into deep blue during the blue hour. On overcast days, the entire landscape transforms into a monochrome wonderland, offering minimalist and surreal compositions. I was incredibly lucky in Kiruna, where I experienced two consecutive days of pink and orange skies stretching across the horizon, a rare and unforgettable sight.
Of course, no trip to Lapland would be complete without chasing the northern lights. Witnessing the aurora borealis was one of my main goals, and I was lucky enough to see them three times—including my very first sighting in Kiruna, Sweden, back in 2017. Lapland’s high latitude makes it one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, as long as the skies stay clear and the solar activity is strong. There’s nothing quite like standing under a starlit Arctic sky, watching the auroras dance above a frozen landscape.
Another unforgettable location was the Valtavaara winter trail hike, a well-known winter trail near Ruka Ski Resort. The climb begins in a dense forest before leading up to an incredible viewpoint, where snow-covered fir trees stand defiantly against the Arctic wind. The sense of isolation and raw natural beauty at the summit made it one of my favorite photography spots.
Lapland is simply magical. Whether you’re drawn to colorful sunrises, minimalist snowy landscapes, or the surreal beauty of the Northern Lights, the photographic opportunities here are endless. This Arctic wonderland feels untouched, peaceful, and almost otherworldly, like stepping into a winter dream frozen in time.
